Checking coolant pipes

[PKN]

I attempted to use a mirror and flashlight to find out if my 2006 TT has had the aluminum coolant pipes installed but couldnt find an angle to see anything. Any advice on this or do I need to take off the manifold? I am tempted to order the parts and then find out when I dismantle

PKN

[odix]

Hi -- this a very well covered topic, how to check coolant pipes and many associated threads. You can search "coolant pipes" and you'll be set.

I attempted to use a mirror and flashlight to find out if my 2006 TT has had the aluminum coolant pipes installed but couldnt find an angle to see anything. Any advice on this or do I need to take off the manifold? I am tempted to order the parts and then find out when I dismantle

PKN

[PKN]

I did search as many threads as I could find and only came across one reference to viewing the pipes which needs me to purchase membership to Rennlist to see the pics. I may have missed something here but I dont think so....

PKN

[wvicary]

I use a flexible automotive scope with a LCD display and put the camera at the rear of the intake manifold to view the pipes. I have never had any luck looking with a mirror and light.

[odix]

I have an '04 Cayenne S (bought used from dealer in '09 as a CPO) and the dealer was able to run the service history of my vehicle/VIN and confirmed the plastic coolant pipes were replaced with the metal pipes about six months prior to my purchase. Which makes sense because my starter failed later (replaced under CPO which was nice) and I've read a lot here that post-leaky (or fully blown) plastic coolant pipes the coolant drains into, and damages, the starter.

With your '06 TT you may have the same luck finding out with a dealer running your VIN, no effort beyond a computer query. You could have the metal pipes and not know it! A lot of dealers are very cool and will do this VIN service history look-up (they want your business anyway) for you. My local dealer (Sonnen in Marin) has been great.

I did search as many threads as I could find and only came across one reference to viewing the pipes which needs me to purchase membership to Rennlist to see the pics. I may have missed something here but I don't think so....

PKN

Edited April 6, 2011 by odix

[hahnmgh63]

PKN see if this link works?

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/porsche-cayenne-forum/550109-plastic-or-aluminum-coolant-pipes-how-to-tell-without-intake-removal.html

[hahnmgh63]

PKN, on Rennlist you don't have to become a paying member to just view and give feedback in the forums.

[PKN]

Thanks but in this case if I want to view the jpgs it is telling me I need to be a member. Odd seeing as how I can read the text - just cant see the important bit lol. I will have another go this weekend and if I have no luck I will order the parts anyway. Guess I can always resell here on the forum if I dont need them but Im not that lucky

PKN

[hahnmgh63]

Like I said though, you only need to register on their site to become a member, you don't have to pay.

[PKN]

hahnmgh63 - Many thanks, that did the trick.....still cant see the coolant pipes though. Looks like I will be removing the inlet manifold really soon

PKN